With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music fans will be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for a weekly list of new music videos from lesser-known Japanese musical acts that are definitely worth watching.
We are now looking back on a couple of videos that were released in week 52 of the year 2022, on the first of January 2023. This means we will come up with week 1 of 2023 next Sunday. Enjoy the new discoveries!
グデイ (GoodDay) – ORANGE AND RAINFALL
In February 2020, musicians Yu Muroi (also active in ELECTRIC RIBBON) and Memyme (ex-SAKA-SAMA) got together to start as idol music duo GoodDay, in the summer of that year, they officially launched with the mission to make everyday life a little bit more of a GoodDay. The name was so chosen because Muroi is a fan of Green Day and actually wants to share the stage with them one day. Since the start, besides a March 2022 album, produced by Sohei Mishima (cinema staff), and a handful of single songs, they have also released five EPs on the same day, 22 September 2021, which meant the duo released 25 songs in one go. Impressive! — Recommended by Francisca
塩入冬湖 (Fuyuko Shioiri) – ランサー (Lancer)
In addition to being the vocalist and guitarist of the rock unit FINLANDS, Fuyuko Shioiri is also working under her own name in parallel. Lancer is the first solo song in about two years for the singer-songwriter. Soon, she will release her fifth mini-album, 大天国 (Dai Tengoku). After bassist and co-founder Kayo Koshimizu left the band FINLANDS in 2019, Shioiri is now managing both her solo project and FINLANDS, which is now a solo project with support musicians. If Fuyuko Shioiri’s body of work appeals to you, be sure to listen to FINLANDS for more of her work. — Recommended by Francisca
3markets[ ] – マイニッチ (My Niche)
As 3markets[ ], the rock band has been active since 2014, this being the year seen as a reboot for the now four-member band. Before that, the band had been operating as 3markets(株) (3markets co,ltd.) since 2002. Since the reboot, the group has issued 3 singles, 3 EPs, 6 albums, and 2 DVDs; the most recent of them being the November 2022 release of the EP 東京でのすごしかた (Tokyo de no Sugoshi Kata). The journey is still ongoing, and now that 2023 has begun, it will be interesting to see what else they have in store. Please note that the band does state in their Twitter and Instagram bio that if you think you like this band, you’re probably tired of life and need to take a break. It’s up to you whether you want to take this seriously or not. — Recommended by Francisca
あたらよ (Atarayo) – 雪冴ゆる (Yuki Sa Yuru)
The pop band Atarayo started posting songs on YouTube in November 2020, their first original song 10月無口な君を忘れる (Jyugatsu mukuchi na kimi wo wasureru), released in the spring of 2021, garnered them a lot of attention on TikTok and YouTube, where the music video for the song has amassed 20 million views. A few months later, they appeared on THE FIRST TAKE to perform this song in a special arrangement. Currently the band is a three-piece consisting of vocalist and guitarist Hitomi, guitarist Mercy and bass player Takeo. Keep an eye on this band! — Recommended by Francisca
tone spoon – 回る (Mawaru)
In 2020, we highlighted a music video from Nagoya-based alternative rock band tone spoon. It is not without reason why this band popped up around this time, they have just released their first EP, 生活習慣 (Lifestyle Habit) and decided to create a new music video, which is filmed in a temple. Between the previous and the most recent release, it hasn’t really been quiet around the five-piece, at the start of 2021 they had a restart and have been performing here and there, with in between focusing on producing a new record. We are curious about what this band will bring in 2023. — Recommended by Francisca
フラスコテーション (Frascotation) – これまでの救いかた (Kore Made no Sukui Kata)
Kobe is the birthplace of the rock band Frascotation. It was 2017 when the band members came together to form the band that is centred around vocalist and guitarist Mami Sato. They all had previous experience playing in other bands, making music and already knew each other from the local circuit. They got the hang of it after releasing a demo and released their first EP in the spring of 2018. This also became the go-ahead to promote their music nationally in Japan. Now the band has released two EPs and an album, along with a number of digital singles. What will 2023 hold for this band? — Recommended by Francisca
Souvenir – シャッター (Shutter)
Last October saw the release of alternative rock band Souvenir’s third EP, Time Trip. Active since spring 2021, the Chiba-based band lets the music speak for itself. The trio goes for a variation of sweet and sour songs with an alternative and delicate sound with catchy melodies that can even evoke some nostalgia. The music video for Shutter, featured on the most recent EP, seems to be shot like a short film, which is supported by the serious and pure lyrics of the song. If you like this, be sure to look up their first album, which is titled アルトリスト (Altruist). — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems! Want to read more about how this project started or check out the YouTube playlists? Click here for all the information.
